SACRAMENTO – Today, Assembly Republicans introduced a proposal for $1 billion in additional fire prevention funding. This was introduced as an amendment to the existing budget proposal that is only focused on aid to Los Angeles – but provides nothing to prevent future disasters. Despite the urgent need to address California’s wildfire crisis, Democrats rejected the additional fire prevention funding, leaving communities vulnerable to future devastation.
This rejection comes as Southern California is still being ravaged by wildfires, burning over 40,000 acres and destroying 17,800 homes and businesses. The rejected funding would have been a critical step toward improving emergency response times, preventing devastating wildfires, and helping Californians protect their homes.
“Wildfire prevention is a glaring omission from the relief package being passed today,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher. “We can’t keep underfunding fire prevention and waiting to respond until after a disaster. We know what needs to be done – it’s just a matter of providing the resources and mustering the political will to protect our communities.”
Republicans have repeatedly called for additional funding for wildfire prevention. Just last year, Newsom and legislative Democrats cut $143.9 million for wildfire prevention. The rejection of this critical funding underscores the need for stronger leadership to prioritize the safety and well-being of Californians.
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